Men’s fashion is rewriting the industry’s status quo. Once overshadowed by womenswear, it’s now speeding ahead in nearly every major market. In the United States, the revenue in the Men’s Apparel market is projected to reach $115.85bn in 2025, with anticipated annual growth of 1.93%. It’s not just an American story, either: Italy’s men’s designer market rose by 2% this year while the women’s side barely moved. Analysts say global menswear could top nearly $550 billion by 2026, accelerating faster than its female-focused counterpart.
Until recently, a man’s ‘variety’ meant choosing between a black hoodie or a navy one (peak excitement, right?). In fact, men’s fashion was pretty much a color chart of charcoal, navy, and maybe black if you were feeling adventurous.
Why the sudden shift? Blame (or thank) the pandemic for one catalyst. “I think everyone got tired of wearing sweatpants and are now excited to dress up again… And as dress codes have relaxed, dressing for the office doesn’t mean what it did a generation ago,” notes Jeremy Freed, Bloomberg. After years of sweatpants on Zoom, men rediscovered the buzz of dressing up, ditching the worn-out hoodie for something sharper, like suits or functional outerwear. Tailored clothing is making a comeback, and casual-luxe mash-ups catch the attention of guys who want style without feeling stuffy. -Luxury houses from Louis Vuitton to Gucci have dialed up their men’s offerings, streetwear labels are crossing over into high fashion, and names like Lemaire or Amiri are cashing in on this fresh wave of male shoppers.
Men are also more adventurous now, focusing on details and exploring beyond the same old uniform. In the past decade, seeing a guy in a tailored jacket sparked concern: “Is he interviewing for a new job or just going through a midlife crisis?”
Enter modern preppy. Pinstripes, loafers, and varsity-inspired looks still appear, but the fits are more relaxed, and the color schemes are less in-your-face. Think of it as a cool reboot of those campus vibes. A striped tie might pair with easygoing trousers instead of stuffy slacks, while a varsity jacket could team up with jeans that aren’t skin-tight. It’s a nod to tradition without looking like you raided your dad’s college trunk.
“Menswear style has been picking up steam since the pandemic, creating more buzz as the category has taken bigger swings. The men’s fashion moment is partly due, on a pop cultural level, to high-profile celebrities opting for true fashion propositions on the red carpet as opposed to the standardised suit,” says José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue Business.
Now, that structured style has loosened up across the board. Designers push soft tailoring, with jackets featuring lighter construction and trousers going slightly wider at the leg. The effect is a sleek silhouette that doesn’t pinch or confine, perfect for guys who want their look to work for both the office and a date. Meanwhile, smaller and niche brands are joining the mix with tech-driven pieces (modular jackets, hidden zips) and refined workwear (sturdy fabrics, smarter cuts). It addresses real-life needs: nobody wants to swelter in a heavy blazer or juggle a phone and wallet without pockets, yet the style is still front and center.
Womenswear still dominates fashion in sheer size, but that gap is closing. Post-pandemic data shows men are shopping more often, gravitating toward everything from bold accessories to versatile suits that go from desk to date night without breaking a sweat. Even brands that once catered exclusively to womenswear, such as Erdem, Simone Rocha, Nili Lotan, Commission, Molly Goddard, and David Koma, have moved into menswear, proving that if consumer demand exists, they’ll make it happen.
Prada, known for blending classic tailoring with a modern edge, has made menswear a major focus. Meanwhile, giants like Uniqlo and Zara are raising the bar for budget-friendly men’s style. Big-name labels have enlisted headline-makers like Pharrell to direct men’s lines, turning product drops into cultural moments. Department stores are carving out more room for men, and online boutiques feature men’s edits alongside top womenswear picks.
The takeaway? Men’s fashion isn’t just having a moment. It’s shaping the conversation around style in a way that can’t be ignored. Demand is booming, forecasts look bright, and every generation is fueling this surge. Whether it’s hype-stirring streetwear, a revival of razor-sharp tailoring, or a fusion in between, men are shopping more intentionally than ever. The industry has noticed, and it’s pouring resources into this meteoric rise. At this rate, your dad might start wearing loafers that actually fit and look good (stranger things have happened). It’s a new chapter for fashion, and men’s style is writing the next line.
